The process of discharging 7,365 Maoist combatants who opted for voluntary retirement scheme (VRS) during the recent regrouping process is set to begin from today.

Government monitors had left for all seven People's Liberation Army (PLA) cantonments across the country on Thursday to hand out the first installment of their financial package including certificates recognizing their contribution to the country as part of the government's plan to integrate the former rebels back into society.

Each former rebel choosing VRS is to receive up to Rs 900,000 including additional travel expenses.

The farewell process will begin in Third and Fourth PLA Divisions today. The remaining five divisions will see the government monitors starting the farewell process tomorrow, according to the Special Committee for Monitoring, Rehabilitation and Integration of Maoist combatants.

Coordinator of the Special Committee Balananda Sharma said the combatants choosing VRS will get half the amount they are entitled to get under the scheme in account payee checks. He said the ex-rebels will get the remaining amount in the next fiscal year.

After receiving the checks, the former rebels will have to leave the cantonments by the end of the current Nepali months of Magh (February 12), Sharma said. nepalnews.com